In the state of Texas can a GN work as a CNA?

U.S.A. Texas

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I recently graduated with my BSN from UTHSC in San Antonio a few weeks ago. I am having a lot of difficulty finding a job. I have been using my time applying for jobs and studying for NCLEX. Although I know it is important to devote time to finding a job, I have bills that need to be paid that I no longer have student loans for. I don't want to go back to waiting tables and want to work in some part of the healthcare field until a job comes along. I have heard several of my friends say that it is illegal for a graduate nurse to work under the scope of a certified nursing assistant, but I haven't found documentation of this being true. Is anybody familiar with this situation? Or does anybody have any other suggestions on where I could work? I hate to sound desperate, but I am!!! I just want to work and continue on with my life! Any comments or suggestions are welcomed :)

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Specializes in GU/surgical, Bariatrics, Endoscopy.

I think it's more of a liability issue is what my hospital said. As a GN you are performing at a RN level of practice. My hospital (in TX) will not let GNs work anything other than a GN position. Even though my hospital has it's own nursing program it won't let GNs start the internships until they pass NCLEX. So those that worked at my hospital for years as CNAs, unit secretaries, etc are out of a job for the couple of months until the internships start.

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Sorry no help but ...

I'm in Cali and posted a very similar thread on the CA board with no responses. I waded through the Nurse Practice Act in my state, at least those clearly related to UAP and RN scope of practice and found the roles clearly defined. It remains unclear to me why if one practiced within their scope this would be such a lability. I know that risk management may be able to shed some light on the legality ... and I know that hiring policies tend to be prohibitive of such an arrangement.

I would love to know the legal basis for this is. I can perceive these issues (i.e. I walk into a room to do a bath and notice the patient is coding - do I call the code but not initiate CPR - Good Samaritan stops at the door because I am in a "professional" setting? What if I notice a more subtle issue (I know CNAs who have been the first to notice stroke symptoms, Trosseau sign, ... )? I see the logic, but would love to read the fact, so I can understand the principles.

If I get anything useful - I will let you know!

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I am in Mass and one local hospital sent a letter to all RN program graduates that they can work until they pass the boards. Another hospital said it is ok to work as long as you want, they dont care at all. And a third one has told all the RN students that they can continue to work after graduation, but will take a pay cut and lose their "student nurse" pay. So in my state, apparently it is sort of a free for all.

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Specializes in Infusion, Med/Surg/Tele, Outpatient.

How it was explained to me: the agency you work for can place you in any position BUT you are held to the legal liability of an RN even though you are a GN. Until you have been oriented as an RN/GN you are too risky to hire.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

The one problem that no one is looking at......CNA= CERTIFIED nurses aide (or nursing assistant). Certified meaning having a certification. If you don't have the certification you can't work as a CNA anywhere.

We spend so much time saying that people should respect us as professional nurses, therefore we should give other positions the same courtesy.

The question should be can they work as an NA.

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"The one problem that no one is looking at......CNA= CERTIFIED nurses aide (or nursing assistant). Certified meaning having a certification. If you don't have the certification you can't work as a CNA anywhere.

We spend so much time saying that people should respect us as professional nurses, therefore we should give other positions the same courtesy.

The question should be can they work as an NA."

Not to be contrary because I do understand your point, however, I never saw the OP state she was not a CNA prior to becoming an RN. I did not see any presumptions about the certification process in any posts.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

"The one problem that no one is looking at......CNA= CERTIFIED nurses aide (or nursing assistant). Certified meaning having a certification. If you don't have the certification you can't work as a CNA anywhere.

We spend so much time saying that people should respect us as professional nurses, therefore we should give other positions the same courtesy.

The question should be can they work as an NA."

Not to be contrary because I do understand your point, however, I never saw the OP state she was not a CNA prior to becoming an RN. I did not see any presumptions about the certification process in any posts.

True, I guess I shouldn't have made that assumption. Thanks!!:up:

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Specializes in Emergency.

I realize that this is a different situation, but I found this on the TX BON website...

"Can LVNs who also hold licenses as RNs still work as vocational nurses?

There is nothing preventing licensed registered nurses from working in the capacity of licensed vocational nurses, however, when working as an LVN, they must stay within the parameters of their scope of practice. Exception: In the event of an emergency, the LVN would be expected to function at the highest level of their education (i.e. professional nurse) and their performance should reflect professional judgment inherent in that role."

Perhaps the same applies to CNA's who later become GN's.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I go to Baptist Nursing School here in San Antonio and the Baptist Hospital system actually just hired a lot of students in my class as CNA's at the various Baptist hospitals here in town. They told us that as second semester RN students we can work as a CNA.

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Originally posted by
kponder88

"I go to Baptist Nursing School here in San Antonio and the Baptist Hospital system actually just hired a lot of students in my class as CNA's at the various Baptist hospitals here in town. They told us that as second semester
RN
students we can work as a CNA."

This is common practice in many states, to allow nursing STUDENTS to work as CNAs without getting certified. Stating the requisite knowledge from a certification course has been attained through the nursing program. This is different entirely from a licensed RN practicing in a role below their licensure.

As an aside - this is a very WISE economic decision on the part of the students. Unless undertaking student nurse residencies, this is some of the most marketable experience one can attain while still a student, at least in my region.

I wonder what the OP decided to do?

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I was in your situation. Only Baylor would hire me as a "PCT" but not a nurse tech. I'm thinking it took a certification to be a nurse tech? Every other institution in the DFW area would not hire me.

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